GM CEO Mary Barra proud of father's inclusion in Obama shout-out

Jan. 29, 2014

After a shout-out from President Barack Obama in Tuesday night's State of the Union address, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said what made it special was the way Obama did it. / Carlos Osorio/Associated Press

Written by

Detroit Free Press Washington Staff

WASHINGTON — After a shout-out from President Barack Obama in Tuesday night’s State of the Union address, General Motors CEO Mary Barra said what made it special was the way Obama did it.

Obama never mentioned her by name but pointed out the opportunities in America, saying an example is “how the daughter of a factory worker is CEO of America’s largest automaker.” Barra was in the audience.

“It was very nice and especially it was touching for me because it referenced my father who I’m so proud of,” she said today after meeting with many members of Michigan’s congressional delegation, continuing a brief, two-day welcome to official Washington as the company’s new CEO.

In his State of the Union address, Obama touched on several initiatives that — though far from fully formed — could impact vehicle manufacturers.

He suggested putting in place new incentives for medium- and heavy-duty trucks that run on natural gas or other alternative fuels. The president also pushed Congress to expand incentives to help build infrastructure to boost the use of natural gas and other alternative fuel-powered vehicles.

In October, GM announced it would offer a Chevrolet Impala powered by gasoline or compressed natural gas starting this summer to consumers and fleet buyers.

GM’s lineup already includes natural gas vans. The company also recently said it plans to offer bi-fuel versions of its 2015 full-size pickups.

“As you look at all the different opportunities we have to improve from a (carbon dioxide) perspective, improve from an environmental perspective, that’s definitely an option that we’re working on and we’re very excited to get those products out into the marketplace and want to see the reaction,” Barra said, acknowledging infrastructure still needs to be developed to support consumer sales.

Barra — who met with House Republican leaders Tuesday and was expected to meet House Democrats today — also spoke to the Michigan congressional delegation about ongoing concerns regarding the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, a trade agreement among the U.S. and several Pacific rim nations.

Automakers — and the lawmakers who represent them — are fretting that Japan could be allowed to expand export markets without opening the Japanese market.

“General Motors just wants to make sure there’s the right strength (in the agreement) in the ability to enforce from a currency manipulation perspective,” she said. “That’s what’s critical and I think all the auto companies are united together on that.”

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., said there are “deep concerns” about currency manipulation and that she and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., have 60 Senate signatures on a letter pressing the Obama administration to ensure there are enough enforcement mechanisms in the agreement.

“I told her we’re behind her on this,” Stabenow said. “And that TPP has got to be right for our Michigan automobile companies because if not, all the work we’ve done and all the work they’ve done to come roaring back will be jeopardized.”